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The New England Patriots are expected to be back practicing at their facility on Thursday, and it looks like quarterback Cam Newton will be joining them, a source told ESPN’s Field Yates.
Yates added, “That would put Newton on track to start Sunday vs. the Broncos.”
When the Patriots return to practice on Thursday, QB Cam Newton is expected to rejoin the team, per source. That would put Newton on track to start Sunday vs. the Broncos.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 14, 2020
Newton has been absent since a positive COVID-19 test result on October 2nd, his Thursday return marking 13 total days. He was apparently asymptomatic the entire time. By NFL rule, he was eligible to return on Tuesday, 10 days after his initial positive test result.
The Patriots closed their facility themselves last week after they saw three other players join Newton on the Reserve/Covid-19 list. They were out of Gillette for three total days as they eventually saw their Week 5 game postponed to Week 6. After remaining closed Monday and Tuesday this week, they allowed positional groups to return on Wednesday to workout and meet at staggered times. They expect to practice on Thursday for the first time since last Saturday’s walkthrough.
In total, Newton missed just one game during his Covid-19 absence, a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore and defensive tackles Byron Cowart and Bill Murray remain on the Reserve/Covid-19 list.